Contact: Pam McCurdy, 651-757-2559
St. Paul, Minn. -- The fifth annual Eco Experience at this year’s Minnesota State Fair features new exhibits about water, why it’s important to Minnesotans and what we can all do to protect our state’s water resources.
The Eco Experience water exhibit will feature a new, arcade-style “water skee ball” game to help people learn about what they can do in their own backyards to protect nearby lakes and streams. Fairgoers will be able to see, touch and ask questions about rain gardens, rain barrels, permeable pavement installations and other green ideas and products. They can also enter to win a Verde Strategies rain barrel or a Freshwater Society rain gauge.
Both the young and young at heart will enjoy trying their hand at the Eco Experience’s water testing stations. These exhibits demonstrate how scientists measure the clarity of water in lakes and streams, and explain why it is important to keep tabs on water clarity. Fairgoers who enjoy learning about their lakes will have the opportunity to become water quality volunteers on an ongoing basis, helping the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency protect a lake or stream in or near their community.
Many people have questions about how to safely enjoy eating fish caught from Minnesota waters or purchased commercially. The Minnesota Department of Health has developed an interactive display for this year’s Eco Experience, highlighting how people can make safe choices regarding fish consumption.
Fairgoers can visit the Eco Experience from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., from Thursday, Aug. 26, through Monday, Sept. 6. The Eco Experience is in the Progress Center at the Corner of Randall and Cosgrove. Look for the 123-foot-long wind turbine blade. For more information, go to http://www.ecoexperience.org.
A partnership between the Minnesota State Fair, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and dozens of organizations and businesses across the state, the Eco Experience has become the second most popular exhibit at the fair. The Eco Experience is the largest environmental event of its kind in the country. Since 2006 more than 1.5 million visitors have attended the 25,000-square-foot exhibit to learn more about clean air and water, saving energy, climate change, healthy local food, transportation, green building and remodeling, and other ways to lead more eco-friendly lives. Look for more information and schedules at http://www.ecoexperience.org.
